What are the chances of my localized,(linear), scleroderma becoming systemic?
Answer The experts I’ve heard, read, and talked to say localized scleroderma doesn’t “turn into” systemic. However, they’ve seen so many twists and turns in this disease, they are all open-minded about it! Consider a couple of possibilities – your “localized” scleroderma could have been misdiagnosed and very slow to fully develop OR you have the honor (not!) of developing both localized and systemic. Never heard of that, but I wouldn’t be surprised by anything! There are also many other conditions that have the similar symptoms of fatigue, joint pain, reflux, etc. Even aging can contribute to “vague” symptoms that are hard to pin down. A key symptom to be wary of is Raynaud’s phenomenon, where fingers and toes turn white on exposure to cold as blood vessels spasm shut, blue in later stages, then finally bright red when the vessels relax and freshly oxygenated blood returns to the area. 95% or more of people with systemic scleroderma have Raynaud’s – but, Raynaud’s is also in about 2% o
Related Questions
- I have localized scleroderma and have had a cataract operation. I now have a film appearing over the same eye and wonder if its connected with scleroderma?
- Is occupational exposure to solvents associated with an increased risk for developing systemic scleroderma?
- Whats the difference between localized scleroderma and systemic sclerosis?
